Urgent Care

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Urgent Care is an intermediate option between your primary care provider and the Emergency Department. It is ideal for treating minor illnesses or injuries that cannot wait until the next day. Urgent Care is also suitable for addressing conditions that do not present additional symptoms or for individuals without underlying health issues. For instance, an earache can be effectively treated at an Urgent Care clinic. However, if the earache is accompanied by a high fever (104°F or higher), or if you have a history of cancer or are on immune-suppressing medication, it is crucial to seek care in the Emergency Department.

Urgent Care clinics are generally staffed by physician assistants, nurse practitioners, and nurses. Some may also have physicians on site. These providers can order basic laboratory tests and imaging, such as X-rays, to facilitate diagnoses and develop treatment plans. Urgent Care clinics operate with set hours and have a defined list of conditions they treat, which often makes them less expensive and more accessible than emergency departments due to shorter wait times.

Many Urgent Care facilities are staffed by primary care physicians, including those with backgrounds in emergency medicine, internal medicine, or family practice. These physicians provide consistent and reliable care for patients during routine checkups and visits.